Your Hosts
Northwest Spain
August 10-15, 2026
Professor Matt Redman
Head of Physics Department
University of Galway, Ireland
Professor Matt Redman is an astrophysicist at the University of Galway, Ireland. He is currently the Head of Physics with responsibility for leading the teaching of degrees in Physics and related subjects. Matt moved to Galway in 2004 having previously worked and studied at the University of Manchester, University College London and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
His research in astrophysics examines how stars form from cold clouds of gas and dust, and also how the destruction of planets at the end of a star’s life can shape the spectacular nebulae that arise. He has used the world’s finest telescopes in Australia, Hawaii and Chile to carry out his research, and has mentored many PhD students and research staff.
During Professor Matt’s 2016-2020 tenure as Chair of the Astronomical Society of Ireland, he oversaw Ireland’s membership and participation in the European Southern Observatory, providing direct access to the most powerful ground-based telescopes in the world. He is currently the Ireland representative to the European Astronomical Society.
Matt lives with his partner Raina on a small farm in the Irish countryside outside Galway city where they grow vegetables, both soft and tree fruits, keep bees and raise chickens.
DOURO RIVER CRUISE
August 15-22, 2027
Vega de Terron to Porto Portugal
Escorted by Kieron Keady – Vice President, Expanding Horizons
Kieron Keady’s career in international travel has spanned 4 decades. Since 2015 he has created and operated over 200 trips for U.S. wineries, focused largely on the rivers of Europe. He will lead our Bacchus group cruising down one of Europe’s most historic wine regions. For 2,000 years the steep slopes along the Douro River have produced delightful world-class table wines, and the renowned port wines synonymous with this region. We’ll explore the Alta Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region, protected for its unique landscape and two millennia history of extraordinary viticulture.
Kieron resides in Huntington Beach in southern California.
Professor Matt Redman
Hosting Northwest Spain Tour
Kieron Keady
Hosting Douro River Cruise